High school STEM units will encourage the use of Web 2.0 tools to create, collaborate, and communicate content online. The information below identifies suggested tools students can use. These are just suggestions. There are many more tools that are not on this list that may be incorporated in STEM units.

Collaborative Web Pages
  • Wikis - A wiki is a website that is easily created and edited in a web browser. Wikis are typically powered by wiki software and are often used to create collaborative websites, to power and enhance community collaboration and communication. Commonly used wiki sites:
http://www.wikispaces.com/
http://pbworks.com/
  • Google Sites- Google Sites is an easy way to make information accessible to people who need quick, up-to-date information and access. Teams can work together on a Google Site to add file attachments, information from other Google applications (i.e., Google Docs, Google Calendar, YouTube and Picasa), and new content.
http://www.google.com/sites/help/intl/en/overview.html

Presentation Tools

  • Zoho Show, SlideShare, Google Presentation, and Slide Rocket are online tools for making powerful presentations similar to PowerPoint.
  • PhotoPeach is an easy-to-use online slideshow application that allows you to include music with your text and images.
  • Animoto combines images and music into a short movie trailer-like production.
  • Prezi is a web-based presentation tool where videos and images can be integrated using a map layout and zooming.
  • Glogster allows you to create virtual posters with audio, video, text, and images.
  • Jing can record audio to accompany an image or for video screen capture.
  • Voice Thread is a tool that allows you and others to comment directly on your uploaded PowerPoint presentation.
  • Flickr allows you to upload photos and add comments to make a creative online story.

Brainstorm and Mind Map

The tools listed below allow students to record, organize, map, and share ideas electronically.